The Fall of the House of Paisley

The Downfall of Ian Paisley’s Political Dynasty

In this hard-hitting study of political power, award-winning journalist David Gordon studies the political downfall of Ian Paisley and his son and shines an uncompromising light on Northern Ireland's political elite.

Ian Paisley, firebrand Ulster Protestant preacher and politician, spent forty years denouncing compromise as treachery. Then, in March 2007, he agreed a power-sharing pack with Sinn Féin, the political wing of the Provisional IRA. The historic deal earned him plaudits from around the world and the top job in Northern Ireland's new devolved administration. His beloved son Ian Junior took up a ministerial post by his side. Yet within a year, this proud family dynasty had crumbled and collapsed. First Ian Junior resigned as a minister, after months of controversy over his links to a property developer. Then Paisley himself announced his retirement — despite having made repeated pledges to serve a full four years in office.

In this fantastic work of investigative journalism, award-winning journalist David Gordon pinpoints the structural flaws in the House of Paisley and exposes the murky underworld of Northern Irish politics.

Editorial Reviews

‘David Gordon … in a fine piece of investigative journalism, doggedly following his nose, taking advantage of freedom of information, and with good contacts in the DUP and Free Presbyterian Church (FPC), seeks to explain why Ian Paisley fell at what appeared to be the moment of triumph.’
Maurice Hayes, Belfast Telegraph

‘David Gordon details where the storm came from and why it was so damaging to father and son in The Fall of the House of Paisley*. While some readers will — to be blunt — enjoy reliving the difficulties faced by such a pair of individuals, there’s more to Gordon’s fine book than* schadenfreude*.’*
William Scholes, Irish News

‘Gordon’s account is as sharp as a blade, cutting deep into the murky world of Stormont.’
Fachtna Kelly and Julian Fleming, Sunday Business Post Agenda

The Fall of the House of Paisley: Contents

3. Welcome to the House of Fun
4. The Ghost of Paisley Past
5. With God on our Side
6. Dodgy Foundations
7. Causeway for Concern
8. Junior in Bother
9. Senior in Bother
10. Land Deal Lobbying
11. Out with the Old
12. St Andrews Bombshell
13. Other People’s Money
14. Surprise in Dromore
15. All Fall Down
16. Legacy Matters
17. Life after Paisley